We received the following press release from the Franciscan Life Process Center.
Lowell, Michigan, April 21, 2025 – The Franciscan Life Process Center is seeking volunteers to help care for its 230-acre farm in Lowell, support environmental education efforts and assist with fundraising events in the greater Grand Rapids area to advance the nonprofit’s mission.
Since its founding by the Franciscan Sisters of the Eucharist in 1972, the Franciscan Life Process Center has assisted in the education, healthy development and cultural enrichment of individuals and communities of people throughout West Michigan.
With a team of approximately 20, it operates two locations under one mission: to promote a relationship with God that brings dignity and hope to the sacred process of all life through programs that assist, educate, enrich and inform. Volunteers are critical to support the sisters and staff in their ongoing work.
“We provide a wide range of services through our counseling, land, art and music programs to help individuals unlock their fullest potential as they journey through the process of life,” Center Director Sandy Koteskey said. “We’re seeking volunteers who are interested in land maintenance activities, kids programming, event support and other hands-on opportunities.”
The Center’s campus in Lowell is a working farm, which includes an orchard and large vegetable garden. The Franciscan Sisters also care for and raise goats, chickens and a collection of beehives. The Center relies heavily on the support of volunteers to preserve the land and provide environmental education to the community. A variety of volunteer opportunities are available to those who are interested in these areas.
Workdays with Franciscan Sisters: On select Saturdays from spring through fall, community members are invited to work alongside the Franciscan Sisters on the land from 9:30 a.m.-noon. Projects include land maintenance, harvesting, canning produce, farm chores and a variety of seasonal tasks. Dates include May 10, June 14, Aug. 9, Sept. 13, Oct. 11 and Nov. 8. Those interested may register for Workdays with the Franciscan Sisters online.
Center Land Workdays: On select dates once a month, volunteers can work on the grounds from 9 a.m.-noon to help beautify the Center. Those interested may register for Center Land Workdays online. Dates include:
- Wednesday, April 30 – Celebrating St. Joseph the Worker
- Wednesday, June 18 – Preparing for summer
- Monday, Aug. 11 – The Feast of St. Clare
- Monday, Sept. 15 – Our Lady of Sorrows Rosary Cleanup
- Wednesday, Oct. 1 – Feast of St. Therese (trail prep and cleanup)
Corner of Creation: This program gives volunteers an opportunity to take responsibility for tending to a specific section of land throughout the year. Regular activities could include weeding, raking or planting. Those interested may contact [email protected] to schedule a tour of available “corners.”
Environmental Education: Individuals who have a passion for the outdoors and for working with children can assist with environmental education. This program invites fifth-grade students from area Catholic schools to experience outdoor classroom adventures at the Center in Lowell. A background check and VIRTUS training are required for these volunteers. Those interested may contact [email protected] for more information.
True Adventure Experience: Volunteer opportunities are available for kids who are confirmation age and adults to assist with the Center’s new True Adventure Experience, a series of week-long, technology-free programs for school-age children this summer. The True Adventure Experience will include three unique week-long programs July 21-Aug. 8 at the Center’s Lowell campus. Those interested in volunteering may contact [email protected] for more information.
Event Volunteers: As a nonprofit, the Center must raise funds to support its Land, Counseling and Music Therapy programs. Volunteers are needed to ensure its annual fundraiser runs smoothly. Volunteers who like to bake, sort, craft and assemble are needed Sept. 29-Oct. 2. Those interested may contact [email protected] to get involved.
Additional opportunities are available for specialized projects perfect for knitters, seamstresses, crafters and quilters, as well as prospective Eagle Scouts. For more information, visit LifeProcessCenter.org/get-involved/volunteers.
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